Features

Bruce Relishing Newcastle Trip

PUBLISHED

11:01 20th September 2013

Steve Bruce believes all of the ingredients are in the mix for a fine game of football when Hull City travel to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Billing the trip to St James’ Park as the type of game his players should relish, Bruce will look to prevent the home side from building up a head of steam as the Tigers look for a first result on the road this season.

“We knew that the first four or five away games were going to be pretty spectacular for us,” said Bruce.

“We’ve had Chelsea and Manchester City. Now it’s Newcastle and as a footballer, one thing you want to look forward to is playing Newcastle away.

“It’s a great stadium with big support and a fantastic atmosphere and this has all the ingredients for a classic Premier League game.

“We’ve proven that we can play at this level and we have to be at our best to do that. It will be no different on Saturday. We must handle the atmosphere because if Newcastle build up a head of steam it becomes a pretty passionate place to play football.

“Like every week, we’ll have to be at our best to get something but I think we’ve been quite impressive in the four games we’ve played. We maybe haven’t scored as much as we’d like, but overall we are pleased with what we’ve done and we’ve made a fist of it.

“When you look at Newcastle and the team they’ve got, you know it’s going to be difficult. With Remy fit, Cisse fit and Ben Arfa looking like he’s playing the best football of his career, you know they are a threat. They’re a good side and like I keep saying, we’ll have to be at our best to get something.”

As a Geordie himself, Bruce admits that away games against Newcastle remain a special occasion for him and this one would be even more special if the Tigers can take three points.

“It’s always nice to go back up there, even though I do get a bit of stick (from the Newcastle fans),” added Bruce.

“I was born and bred there and followed Newcastle as a boy. It’s always nice to go home and play against them and let’s hope that it’s a good day for Hull City.”